Hyderabad, Nov 14 (PTI): Deepavali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with traditionalgaiety in Telangana on Saturday after the state government permitted sale and use of green firecrackers following a Supreme Court order even as the COVID-19 pandemic cast its shadow on the festivities.

The liveliness of the past appeared to be missing in the festivities though many celebrated the festival enthusiastically.

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People offered 'puja' in the morning and exchanged greetings and sweets.

They lit 'diyas' (small cup-shaped oil lamps) in the evening at their homes, while some made a tasteful arrangement of lights.

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Firecrackers were burst in the night though the usual high-decibel sounds were missing.

The state health authorities on Friday suggested that people should celebrate Deepavali by lighting 'diyas' (small oil lamp) and stay away from firecrackers as they contribute to a rise in air pollution.

The state government permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers following Supreme Court orders modifying a High Court directive to the state to ban use of fireworks. The specified time period for bursting of crackers was between 8 PM and 10 PM on Deepavali day (Saturday).

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)